A network penetration test is essential for finding weaknesses in your vital network architecture.
Network weaknesses are still one of the most often used threat vectors by malware and hackers. These flaws frequently result in a large-scale breach of security when critical information is lost or revealed if they are exploited.
Weak credentials, encryption problems, obsolete software, and operating platforms, missing security patches, and improperly implemented security policies are all examples of common network weaknesses that could allow a hacker to infiltrate the network and information of your company.
Infrastructure resilience testing is also called “Infrastructure PT” and is separated into two sections:
Internal test: The procedure replicates a situation in which a hacker has already acquired access to a corporate network with the intention of attacking the network’s hardware, including servers, computer monitors, communications systems, and cloud settings. In a Grey-Box setup, the test involves attempts to break into systems, bounce between networks, seize control, and assess the viability of data leaking.
External test: The procedure mimics a situation in which a hacker attempts to access the internal network over the web. The company’s primary resources and solutions will first be identified within the context of this exam. Then, a variety of strategies will be tested in an effort to hack into the internal network and get these resources. In a Black-Box arrangement, tests are run.
Why executing infrastructure penetration tests is advantageous
- The network is examined by a qualified penetration tester, and the customer is provided with a comprehensive document of the results and instructions for addressing the vulnerabilities found.
- The tests ensure adherence to laws governing privacy protection, GDPR, HIPPA, and specifications for cyber insurance.
- The computing world of today is quite complicated. Businesses often use VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) in addition to On-Premises technologies, which increases the company’s potential attack vectors and the necessity for PT tests on all infrastructures.
- Testing provides expert advice for network fortification from the perspective of a skilled hacker.
Methodology for Infrastructure Penetration Testing
The methods and objectives are largely the same whether you are testing an internal or external network. Know why you are conducting the test before creating a strategy.
If this need is not satisfied, it can be a waste of assets. Consider the objectives and possible results you want the test to produce. As was previously indicated, it is advised to perform penetration testing following a large upgrade, with one possible objective being to “evaluate the security integrity of the programmers.”
This serves as the test’s measurables, indicators, and test variables all at once.
You may start creating a strategy, that will be your infrastructure penetration testing approach, once you have clearly established the objectives, results, and constraints.
Information gathering
Before you launch an attack, this step is all about probing the system or network you are evaluating and learning about your “adversary.”
Similar principles apply to penetration testing; assume that everyone is a friend and that no one will be harmed.
The pen-test team’s responsibility throughout this early stage is to casually watch and comprehend the company’s internal and external operations.
Some of the jobs they’ll be working on include:
Internal test
- Collecting statistics on the data flow within the company.
- Looking for possible social engineering prospects by looking through employee chat channels.
- Determining whether or not automatic defense programs like antivirus and antimalware are already deployed.
- Learn about the timing of logins from different accounts and privilege levels.
- Separating the “whales” from the “fish” and comprehending the corporate framework.
- Examining the actual locations for any entrances to any closed rooms or on-site servers.
External Test
- Collecting the domains of any web system, email server, or public IPs
- Using scanning techniques to determine whether any DDoS defense is being implemented
- Examining any corporate website for potential SQL injection vulnerabilities
- Collecting intelligence on the data lifetime on systems with internet access
- Examining the company’s firewall kind and looking for any known vulnerabilities
Analysis of threats and vulnerabilities
The crew can test potential weaknesses and identify relevant threats using the data acquired in the previous stage.
This means that pen-test teams will frequently already be aware of certain weaknesses that exist for connections and devices you might already be using. The group will strategize and gently test the system’s security using scanning methods.
Any weaknesses that might be used against you later in the test should be highlighted by the findings that are returned.
Teams will hunt for these kinds of items to aid them in conducting the exposure phase test.
Using the Correct Tool for the Job
The pen team should now choose the testing methods that will be most effective for the task after threats or weaknesses have been identified and investigated.
Finding the best pen-testing tools to meet the requirements of an infrastructure pen test can be challenging because there are so many available.
Exploitation
The exploitation portion of the test is here when the fun begins. The goal of this phase is to simulate an assault. You should already be aware of the platform’s weaknesses thanks to your diligent reconnaissance; you have chosen the appropriate tools for the task; all that is left to do is to take advantage of them to see how far you can get.
The penetration test’s actual penetration portion would be this. In essence, the group would be checking to see if:
- The weaknesses found can be taken advantage of.
- See how high they can climb the privilege ladder using that trick.
- Test any automated defensive frameworks’ responsiveness.
- Observe how any internal security teams respond.
- Test the company’s reaction and gauge its level of safety expertise.
Point two in particular is problematic since it might grant the team admin powers under certain conditions, which could have disastrous effects.
The pen-test team will merely have to sit back and see how things develop throughout this phase, note the answers and reactions of the company, and then move us toward the final phase.
Reporting
The company must be informed of the findings as the last step before patching and mending may start. The team can produce a report using all the data obtained throughout the exploitation stage.
In general, the reporting will comprise:
- Internal and external systems should be reconfigured for data and information transmission.
- Flaws that were uncovered during the detection stage
- The equipment that was utilized to compromise the network
- What equipment was employed throughout the operations and how the exploitation was carried out
- How far the crew was able to get inside
- The length of time it took to connect to the network
- A simulation of possible real-world events and the effects they would have on the company
The penetration test team will then recommend a subsequent line of action based on these findings. It will include how to fix the flaws as well as future prevention techniques. And if the internal test had a security consciousness component, how it raises staff understanding of security?
Additionally, they may assess each vulnerability’s danger.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Every year, you should perform penetration testing on your infrastructure. Try to incorporate risk management into your entire company plan.
There is no need to go any further if you need a trusted provider for penetration testing and cybersecurity. The best cyber security service is Petesters. We are sure we are the best partner for you because of our broad clientele and security expertise.
Contact us right now to arrange a consultation.
FAQ’s
What Sets An Infrastructure Test Apart From A Penetration Test?
A penetration test or vulnerability analysis of internal or external networks is referred to as infrastructure testing.
An authorized simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network, or web app is called penetration testing (sometimes referred to as a pentest or pentesting), and it is used to find weaknesses that could be abused. Infrastructure testing excludes all apps and concentrates a penetration test or security analysis solely on hosts (devices, servers, IP addresses, desktops). It is more frequently used to detect internal IP ranges or external IP addresses via the Internet for weaknesses.
How Regularly Should I Run Infrastructure Tests?
As cyber risks are continually changing, it is advised that internal and external testing be done every year.
It is advised that further testing be done if the network undergoes significant modifications. By doing this, it is ensured that any recent adjustments aren't creating brand-new weaknesses.
How much is an infrastructure test?
There is no set cost for an infrastructure test; instead, rates depend on the number of domains or devices that must be examined as well as whether they must be internal to your network or externally exposed to the Internet.
We will professionally assess your needs for each operation and determine the amount of time required to execute the job. We will then offer a thorough proposal with a breakdown of prices and available choices.